Écorcheurs - Yet another set of medieval skirmish rules?! UPDATE

[historian in harness]

I saw the title and couldn't help but think of the weather reports from The Fast Show. Scorchio!

 

[Legiox217]

Wars of the Roses - If the release is a success, and Gripping Beast are up for it, the next major release will be a mini-campaign based around the 1st battle of St Albans. I'm working on the scenarios now. Think FIBUA* medieval style.

I certainly hope the release is a success then, because that sounds like a brilliant idea for a campaign! I have been toying with how to arrange my WotR forces for this very battle, and have most of the flags. It has so much potential for a gorgeous table! The street fighting always makes for a great photoshoot. Good to know I have plenty of time though Thanks for the information. Looking forward to the kickstarter on this one first!

[Captain Blood]

I've merged the different Ecorcheurs threads into one, to avoid multiple conversations on the same topic 

[Patrice]

Interesting. 

The War of the Breton Succession, with many small skirmishes, ambushes, etc. also happened in the mid-14th century.

[Dice Roller]

Good to hear you're looking to expand into other 'periods'. I'm sure the rules are eminently suitable to earlier and later periods.
But what I would say is why not concentrate on the period the rules are meant to be aimed at - the Hundred Years War?
That's what you are marketing it on.
Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?
In fairness, there are skirmish rules and scenarios for the WotR already out there, but I'm not aware of anything specifically aimed at the HYW, so it'd be really fresh to have some gaming material about that.

[Atheling]

Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?

I would certainly second that. I think it important for a skirmish Late Medieval wargame to have as body of scenarios to back it up. This is something the Too Fat Lardies manage by creating a community both in reality, at the "Lardy Days" held all around the country (world actually!) and a serious online presence including many YouTube videos on how to play, scenarios etc etc.

By ignoring the necessity of creating these communities for rules systems I have seen many go under, be hyper underrepresented, interest wane etc. Basically, i think you have to keep on top of it and that would include scenarios to keep the interest high.

[historian in harness]

Good to hear you're looking to expand into other 'periods'. I'm sure the rules are eminently suitable to earlier and later periods.
But what I would say is why not concentrate on the period the rules are meant to be aimed at - the Hundred Years War?
That's what you are marketing it on.
Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?
In fairness, there are skirmish rules and scenarios for the WotR already out there, but I'm not aware of anything specifically aimed at the HYW, so it'd be really fresh to have some gaming material about that.

Well, I'm doing it in part because I've got a lot of Wars of the Roses figures I want to get on my tabletop again! 😉

You do make a really good point, though, and there is absolutely a huge amount of material to work with in the core period, including the Breton Civil War, the Castilian adventure, the great chévauchée's through south-western France, rebellions in Flanders, conflicts in western Denmark, the Scots border, and peasants'revolts....

However, inevitably, gamers have come to me saying that they like the rules but only have Wars of the Roses, or Vikings, or crusaders, with an implicit suggestion that they'll only be interested if there are scenarios for that period. I think this is damned-if-you-do; damned-if-you-don't situation.

Hopefully, if the rules are popular enough, I will find the time and resource to please most of the players most of the time...

[historian in harness]

This is something the Too Fat Lardies manage by creating a community both in reality, at the "Lardy Days" held all around the country (world actually!) and a serious online presence including many YouTube videos on how to play, scenarios etc etc.

By ignoring the necessity of creating these communities for rules systems I have seen many go under, be hyper underrepresented, interest wane etc. Basically, i think you have to keep on top of it and that would include scenarios to keep the interest high.

I love what the Lardy community has done for things like CoC and Sharp Practice, and seems to be doing for Midgard as well.

Whilst I would like to think that my rules could have that kind of following and support, I am not about to assume it!

I'm also bound to say that publishjng rulesets is not my business; it is very much a hobby project that has grown wings and I hope will fly. I'll support it as hard as I can, I simply do not have the resources that TFL are able to put into their games. There's a day job, a pension to build, and bills to pay.

This should not be taken as saying that the rules will be a one-hit-wonder (and I am very aware of the importance people place in having the author of a rule system provide after-sales support) but perhaps to manage expectations.

If I may put it another way; if anyone plays and loves the rules, please get in touch  and help me build a community of gamers like the ones that support CoC or Sharp Prcatice. I'd love it!

[Atheling]

If I may put it another way; if anyone plays and loves the rules, please get in touch  and help me build a community of gamers like the ones that support CoC or Sharp Prcatice. I'd love it!

I'll do my best mate, and will review on my blog (link below my "banner" but it's painting that is my bag- painting and wargaming but predominantly painting .

The Late Med. period is very much my thing so I am frothing at the thought of these rules. I'm also thinking of doing some Blood and horse droppings bases etc too. (all my Late Med. stuff has been based for other systems now- it's a back and forth that drives me nuts!)

[Dice Roller]

...gamers have come to me saying that they like the rules but only have Wars of the Roses, or Vikings, or crusaders, with an implicit suggestion that they'll only be interested if there are scenarios for that period.

Ah but that's the danger, and also warning if you can hear it.
Because as your (ironic?) title implied, 'just another set of medieval rules.' There are several WotR skirmish rules out there already.
When Never Mind The Ruckus came out people ejaculated like stallions over it. And now they want you to do the same - 'just' another set of rules - that they can move on to.
And when someone else brings out a set of WotR skirmish rules in 12 months they'll get all excited about that as well leaving yours by the wayside.
But how many bespoke HYW rules are there? If your rules are that good (and I'm absolutely sure they are - I'm super keen to hear more about them) and supported with inspiring HYW material, then people will collect and play more HYW games. If you support that period you will carve a niche for yourself and create a following.
If you give in to the crowd of WotR games then you might find them getting lost amidst all the others.
If I were you, to start with at least, I'd aim your rules at one or the other and give it suitable support. Going off piecemeal could backfire.
Best of luck with it all. You have good support in Gripping Beast.

[historian in harness]

If I were you, to start with at least, I'd aim your rules at one or the other and give it suitable support. Going off piecemeal could backfire.
Best of luck with it all. You have good support in Gripping Beast.

Some good points, well made and definitely food for thought.

Thanks for the interest, advice, and support.

[historian in harness]

I'll do my best mate, and will review on my blog (link below my "banner")

Much appreciated!